IVF stands for in vitro fertilization. It’s one of the more widely known types of assisted reproductive technology (ART).  IVF works by using a combination of medicines and surgical procedures to help sperm fertilize an egg, and help the fertilized egg implant in your uterus.

Because the IVF process bypasses the fallopian tubes (it was originally developed for women with blocked or missing fallopian tubes), it is the procedure of choice for those with fallopian tube issues, as well as for such conditions as endometriosis, male factor infertility, and unexplained infertility. A physician can review a patient’s history and help to guide them to the treatment and diagnostic procedures that are most appropriate for them.

Fertility medications can cause mood swings, headaches, hot flashes, abdominal pain, and bloating. In very rare cases, fertility medication may induce ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can produce more severe symptoms such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Decreased urinary frequency
• Feeling faint

Basically, any surgical procedure has its inherited risk, but overall the rate of surgical complication during egg collection is minimal, as it is guided by ultrasound. As far as the egg making injections/hormones are concerned, they are excreted daily in urine and stools, provided the renal and kidney parameters, are normal.